Socceroos coach Graham Arnold may face a pricey trip to Denmark if Australia can defend their Asian Cup title.
Arnold told Awer Mabil before last week's 5-0 win over Oman he would buy a ticket to watch the winger play because he's so exciting.
No tickets were needed for the behind closed doors friendly in Dubai where Mabil continued his fine start to international football in a resounding win.
The South Sudanese refugee says Arnold is welcome to come and pay for a ticket to watch him play at Danish Superliga club FC Midtylland.
First though the pair have an Asian Cup title to defend in United Arab Emirates this month.
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"When we win the Asian Cup I will invite him to Denmark and then he can watch me and my team," Mabil said.
Arnold's pep talk is not a new technique.
As Central Coast Mariners head coach, Arnold used to acquire a ticket from the box office and show it to then-Mariner Bernie Ibini, explaining to his player he was worth buying a ticket to watch.
Mabil, who scored on his Socceroos debut against Kuwait in Arnold's first game in charge, is clearly impressed with his national team coach.
"He's an amazing coach. I've known him now for three or four months," the former Adelaide United player said.
"Before we used to be rivals in Australia and we used to hate playing against each other ... but it's amazing to be coached by him, such a good mental coach and in man management."
Bringing excitement to his coach and fans is something that pleases Mabil, who says football has been a source of joy ever since he started playing the match as a five-year-old in a refugee camp in Kenya.
The 23-year-old may only have four caps for the Socceroos but will be a key part of Australia's Asian Cup campaign, especially following the withdrawal of Scottish-born winger Martin Boyle due to injury.
With Mathew Leckie struggling to overcome a hamstring injury, Mabil is a strong chance to start in the Socceroos tournament opener against Jordan in Al Ain on Sunday.
Australia welcomed striker Apostolos Giannou into their ranks on Thursday, with the Cypriot-based player called up to replace Boyle.
He's the second injury replacement brought into the squad with James Jeggo added before Christmas after English Premier League star Aaron Mooy was ruled out with a knee injury.
